News

Volunteers in Devon needed for Diabetes UK collection

DIABETES UK is looking for energetic volunteers in Devon to support a collection weekend at their local Tesco store.

The Big Collection weekend will take place in Tesco stores on 13, 14 and 15 June 2014 with the aim of raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for Diabetes UK, as part of the major national charity partnership between the two organisations. The partnership aims to make life better for those with the condition or at high risk of developing it.

Diabetes UK is recruiting 4,800 volunteers throughout the UK and is looking for volunteers in Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Axminster, Exeter and Barnstaple to support the Big Collection weekend locally.

Volunteers can select morning or afternoon sessions running from 9am until 6pm, on 13 and 14 June, and 10am until 4pm, on 15 June.

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK Regional Manager for the South West, said: “We are looking for enthusiastic and approachable volunteers in Devon with a desire to help raise lots of money for a fantastic cause. The weekend takes place at the end of Diabetes Week and it is a great way to inform customers about diabetes while raising money for Diabetes UK.

“We are proud that 9 out of 10 people who volunteered for the Big Collection weekend last year said they would volunteer again, which means they really must have enjoyed it. We look forward to another fun weekend at the next collection in June.” Henry Bartlett, from Wimborne, Dorset, said: “I volunteered for the Big Collection at the Dorchester store last year. It was a great experience, I enjoyed meeting other volunteers and customers. It was good to speak to people who already knew about diabetes and to help others to understand more about the condition. If you are thinking of volunteering I would recommend taking part in the Big Collection weekend.”

The money raised will go towards supporting the 3.8 million people with diabetes in the UK and help people at high risk of Type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of the condition.

The Big Collection weekend in October 2013 raised over £380,000 for Diabetes UK.

If people are interested in volunteering for the Big Collection weekend they can contact south.west@diabetes.org.uk or email BigCollection@diabetes.org.uk For further information on the Big Collection and to find your nearest store visit www.diabetes.org.uk/big-collection -- ENDS-- For further media information please contact Erin Dean on 01823 448260 or contact Vari Lambert in the Diabetes UK Media Relations Team on 0207 424 1831 or email vari.lambert@diabetes.org.uk